A Second Opinion

[Glenn]

People noticed the strange and outlandish in Myrkentown. That is not to say it was not somewhat commonplace. That was not to say it wasn't either. People often went through their days seeing no elves, no fairies or wights or widgets. Certainly no Minotaur. Still, were people to see one of these things once a week, more likely once a month, heads would turn, mutters would be emitted, but no one would be particularly surprised. This was Myrken.

Now then, when patterns emerged, when the same outlandish person or creature or whatever was seen repeatedly in or around the same area, that was different. Then people took note. Then people started to keep a close eye. Then word reached the Governor. Such had been the case with the pale woman of light and magic, the gossamer girl with her rocks and odd habits and manners. So Burnie had given her a visit, a nice, proper visit. Felt her mettle, let her know that there were eyes upon her. Left her fuming. That was generally the way he operated when it came to magic and its users.

It was one reason why so few existed in Myrken. Unfortunately, occasionally, just now and again, every so often, a problem arose where the government NEEDED one, and didn't that chafe. Thankfully, they had one! Unfortunately, he was a mite bit compromised and that left normal levels of surity unreachable. Not that poor Nova would know that when, minding her own business upon the street near her normal dwellings, a girl of ten, red pigtails in her hair and far too many freckles on her face rushed up. A note was in hand, a note that she could READ. This was an impressive girl with an impressive older sister, but she still seemed out of breath and in aw of the being before her. "Miss Nova?"

The note was opened just like that, because really, who else could it be and the girl cleared her throat. "Your presence has been requested. If you'll just be kind enough to follow me to..." She had memorized her lines but in the moment it was easy to flub, easier still to hesitate. "Um.. this restaurant nearby?" The girl seemed more than eager to lead the mystical woman where she was expected.

[AnE]

It was unfortunate, one might say. Despite her newfound freedom, Nova felt trapped. This was something she had told no one. After all, what was she when not bound to the amulet that dictated where she went and who she went there with? Lost, that's what. She had done much to convince those she regularly interacted that she was not, in fact, a demonic entity, and it grew tiring having to explain herself; to explain that the truth was, she didn't even know what she was.

These thoughts were ones that often plagued Nova's mind, especially since her strange meeting with a peculiar individual called Burnie. Peculiar and a bit of an irritation, really, prying with questions that hadn't been asked since before she'd met Adder. Today, though, found her scouring the streets, whether it be for more stones or maybe a coin or two. It didn't take much to capture her attention, and when the little ginger girl had hurried over, the white-haired young woman was staring, blinking owlishly and canting her head with a slow, affirmative nod. There was, after all, likely no one else who matched Nova's description roaming the streets. If there was, she'd like to know about it.

Her brows practically floated off of her face as the girl read the note. Her presence? Requested? Was this a good or a bad thing? Did one often send children to relay the possibility of terrible news? "...uhm. Certainly. Lead the way." She spoke softly, shrugging a moment later and offering the child a weak smile. After all, Nova did not have anything else to do.

[Glenn]

In Myrken, anyone could be the bearer of terrible news. There was just that much to go around. Still, what bad news could there be for Nova? She only had so many friends and associates, despite her charming personality. It was probably that whole 'demon' thing. There were a few around over the last few years and really, who knew that she wasn't going to gobble up their souls? She didn't know what she was? Great, well, that meant she didn't know she wasn't a demon; get the pitchforks!

Except for the girl with her now didn't seem to be like that. She was focused. Oh, sure, no smalltalk, some gawking, but as she led Nova through town, she still proffered the occasional smile. That was something these days. It didn't take long, not really. The girl was easy to follow with her hair. Nova was easy to keep track of. It was a good arrangement. Before long they arrived at a small but nice restaurant in the heart of the town. People seemed to be expecting her. The wait staff let her right in. No one did more than a double take.

And there, with a small, wrapped box, and a glass of water in front of him was Glenn Burnie, sitting a table in the middle of the room.

[AnE]

She'd figure it out one day. It wasn't as though she had too many life ambitions, after all. Nova was glad that, if nothing else, the young child who was guiding her towards a place -- a place where her presence was requested -- didn't seem to share many of the same reservations that appeared to plague others who she came across. The walk was quiet, with Nova's gaze mostly on the ground. What could it have been about? She wasn't the most sought after individual, she lacked practical skills and she had the unfortunate habit of being far too scatterbrained for her own good at times.

But now? This was a strange thing that was happening. The looks were not odd -- was she supposed to be here? The confusion was all but painted on her face, and Nova found her tail falling between her legs as she stepped into the building. Who was-- oh no.

Not him.

All but bristling when she laid eyes on him, she quickly averted her gaze, doing her best to look neutral. Ugh. Burnie. What now? Was she being recruited? Drafted in the way that the Governor had implied during their first meeting? Oh, well. Might as well get it over with, she thought to herself on her slow approach, reaching up to gently rub at her upper arm.

[Glenn]

She didn't run. That was always a good sign. Burnie was all smiles, dressed for the impending fall. Given his tendency towards earth tones, it meant that he, for the only time all year, was actually in some sort of fashion. In fact, he almost cut a dashing figure. There was just something about his posture which sent the whole house of cards tumbling down, something unsettling, the angle of his head, the way his eyes would stare, something.

Regardless, here he was, and he couldn't help but turn that smile upon her. "Sit down, Nova. I picked a restaurant where we'd be able to talk without too much noise and that has a fairly wide range of menu options. I'm not entirely sure what's your favorite meal, after all. I know a lot, but not that. My staff is only human." Was that a joke? He seemed to give it a little laugh but the message itself was unsettling enough. He pushed the small wrapped box forward. "Sit down. Open your gift. A peace offering of sorts after our last talk. Please, nothing in return. I tend to get the most obtuse, unnerving things when people offer me a gift in return." Kacela was on the mind, her hunted heart to be eaten. "It's just for coming. Don't think you agree to anything by accepting it."

[AnE]

He smiled. That struck a chord immediately. It had to have been a bad sign. The man hadn't come across as particularly 'nice' to Nova during their first meeting. It seemed fake -- this was an almost miraculous thing to notice, given how little attention she paid to seemingly important details, instead tending to focus on small things that could be perceived as insignificant. Something as small as a smile. It made her feel... off.

Slowly did the girl step forward, struggling to maintain a friendly appearance, masking the suspicion that would have otherwise bled off of her. She pulled out a chair and sat down hastily, her tail coiling about her waist so as to stay out of the way. She felt small. So used to being told what to do and where to go that it sometimes came second nature. Maybe she was just nervous? Why wouldn't she be? Nova didn't want to be told that she was being officially kicked out of t--

Oh. A gift! Something that she rarely received. Hit her where she lives, why don't you? Her eyes seemed to light up, dainty fingers reaching for box! But she hesitated, dropping her gaze to her lap and lifting it slowly after a moment. "You are...certain?" Only when she could be sure that it was just that -- a peace offering -- would she begin to open the box, with slow, delicate motions. She didn't like to be on anyone's bad side, so the outstretched olive branch was certainly appreciated! Maybe he was decent after all!

[Glenn]

"Nova open it. It's for you," Friendly. He didn't actually apologize though. To some, that might be a good sign. A peace offering was one thing and an apology was another. To give one without the other might indicate some lack of falsehood. Of course, Nova wasn't exactly the sort to pick up on that sort of thing. "I promise I haven't made a mistake with this." The smile was lazy. It had been something of a chance encounter before, a rare one, and Glenn tended to make the most of those. This was something else entirely and he seemed to be responding, somewhat, to her nature.

Staff of the restaurant came forward as she opened the small box. "I have no idea what you want to eat. Just say it and they'll do their best to accommodate." Just no human flesh please, despite the demonic appearance. They'd have to go somewhere else entirely if that's what she wanted. "As for the gift, there's no one else in Myrken who would appreciate it as much as you. I had to get it special ordered from Razasan." Then, helpfully, because really, one COULD be that oblivious. "That's the heart of the throne, south. A very large kingdom advanced in some frustrating ways relative to us here in Myrken, though I'm sure you knew that."

Was she even listening to him anymore? It was rather unlikely now that her gift was opened. It was a crystal of sorts, looking to be made of glass or some other similar stone. It had dozens of angles and was carefully mounted upon a small silver necklace. "I know how much you like rocks. It's a relatively flawless prism. Not good enough for most scientific or magical work, apparently. It seems a few degrees this way or that makes a huge difference, but I think you'll enjoy it nonetheless. I've never been particularly good with such things, but as I understand it the..." Did it really make sense to try to explain light refraction to her. "Oh, just shine some light at one of the sides of it, if you can and see what happens."

[AnE]

There was a long moment of silence as Nova opened the box. She wouldn't have any way of knowing that there might be something else behind all of this, but something didn't quite feel right. Still, she was being given a present, and that never happened, and her attention was focused mostly on it. She only glanced up when Glenn mentioned eating, and she peered in the direction of the approaching waitstaff, eyes widening a bit.

"Oh. Um. If you have any soup that's good -- I'll take that." A weary smile before she peered down into the box. If she had been paying much attention to her surroundings, that would come to a halt when the first glint of the crystal caught her eyes. Carefully did she lift it out of the box, Glenn's voice now likely lost on her ears. An appreciative 'ooh' slipped past pursed lips as she carefully examined the pendant.

"It is...beautiful. Far more beautiful than any stone I have seen in all of my life." At least that she could remember. Until recently, she had no real interest in rocks, even though she was imprisoned within one for-- oh. That thought had her expression flickering briefly sour. This wasn't some ancient device that he was going to use to trap her within, was it...? No. Not likely.

"Thank you. I, uhm- I love it. I mean! It is very... nice." And she drifted off into a certain awkward silence, glancing around. Now what? She wasn't used to receiving nice things. He said not to offer anything in return, but this seemed almost too nice, she thought as she held up the crystal, squinting at it.

[Glenn]

"You're welcome, Nova." Burnie's gaze never left her, not really. If he was amused or disgusted by her antics, there was no sign. Still, he had only encountered her that one time before, and this was in a far different, far more controlled setting. Of course he had a natural distaste, whether he showed it or not. He had a distaste for all things magic and she WAS magic. She didn't just use it. He was no expert but he could tell that much. "I think you ought to shine some light into it at some point and see what happens." Still, there was something vaguely.. endearing about her. Perhaps his lip twitched just a bit, though she may have been too busy with her new treasure to notice.

Somewhere in there he had managed to order her soup, and it was delivered hot, a gracious portion of tomato bisque. It was gracious enough that perhaps he would take a roundabout way to get where he's going. "Eat, Nova, I have a couple of stories I want to tell you. Quick ones. They apply, so do try to pay attention. Two stories and then a dilemma."

With a quick but deep inhale, just short enough that she didn't have much room to argue the idea, he would begin. "There once was a man of silver and light. A man who could hear the ocean within him. Raging forces. Chaos. An unstoppable tide. He felt such power within him and more than that, a presence, something alien and strange, and he knew it was himself, his true self. He woke up one morning remembering nothing, and he went off to explore the world around him. This is a man who could have taken whatever he wanted, could have been king, but at first he did not know what he wanted. He did not understand those around him and he did not understand himself, so he watched and he listened and he learned. And then he decided..." Another breath, finally, though it somehow worked out as a dramatic pause. "He saw humanity and wished to live amongst them as their very best, to follow all of the most worthwhile behaviors that he saw in them, all of the things that brought joy and happiness to the most people. He realized that he was free. There were no chains, no connections, no memories even to define who he was. He could choose. And what he chose was to try to be the best of us, to channel that raging storm inside of him towards order, towards the greater good. And people saw him for what he had decided to be, a good man, one who defined his goals and found satisfaction in reaching towards them each and every day. He became the best man that I have met because he chose to be. Not everyone has the luxury of such a choice, of that freedom. When one does, she should never make it lightly."

Burnie had a drink. It seemed as if he had already eaten or perhaps was not particularly hungry. He had his glass of wine, however, and sipped of it now. There was no time for discussion, however, for after the sip, he continued again. "I know of another man, one who spent his youth on a stage, playing roles, learning how to pretend to be someone else. This served him in life as he transitioned into being a politician. He governed those he cared about, weaving in and out of the shadow games of politics, of never being able to trust anyone, of having to compromise at every point. It weighs upon you, living that life every single day. It weighs upon me, and I'm made of rather sterner stuff. Years and years passed before he decided it was time to retire. When he chose to do so, it was not enough to stop working. It was not even enough to leave his homeland. He had to leave who he had been behind. He decided to begin to play another role, forgetful, oblivious, dottering, harmless, ridiculous. A joke of a man, someone who no one would ever bother with much of anything, really. Again, years passed. Slowly but surely, the role overtook him until who he had been was gone, lost within the character he created. In trying to avoid all responsibility, in hiding behind a mask, the mask became him. In running away, in refusing to face harsh truths, he forever lost his way."

Two stories. Part of Burnie rather imagined she picked out one of every six or seven words there. That was fine, though. If there was anything to reach within her, perhaps he would have reached it. That had been a change of plans, those two stories. Those two men that he knew. Rare sentimentality. One did not walk with such a thing in Myrken without expecting it to be utterly and absolutely wasted. Why would here and now be any different?

"My thanks for your patience, then, Nova." A little smile, more for his own sake than hers. "On to my dilemma. I have a friend, a friend to many of us, a man that might be your friend if given the chance. A strong man. Well trained. Well educated. He finds himself possessed by a demon. I would free him. I would save my friend, but I cannot just have the demon torn from his body to hurt others in town..." And he left it there. After saying so much, that is where he decided to stop. Burnie sipped at his wine once more and looked at her steadily.

[AnE]

"I will...get around to it." While she had light on hand, that light was magical in nature, and she was always very shy about displaying her natural talents. She was sure that whatever happened would be wonderful, though. For the time being, the crystal was set gingerly back within the box, her gaze lingering on it before the top was replaced.

Nova didn't hesitate to take dainty spoonfuls of her soup, her curious red-eyed gaze lifting to meet Glenn's face for the sake of politeness before she nodded her head. Pay attention to two stories and a dilemma. Not a problem. Her brows knitted, a pointed ear twitching ever-so-faintly as she began to listen in silence. It was rare that she managed to pay attention to anything for any real length of time, but she did like stories! Raging forces? Silver and light? Sounded like magic. Hrm.

He saw humanity and wished to live amongst them as their very best. This, and what followed, had her pale brows raising high on her face mid-spoonful, lips pursing in thought shortly thereafter. "...mm-hm." An individual using their endless potential to do good things. That didn't sound so bad, she thought as she leaned back and gently dabbed her mouth dry. "I...see." There wasn't much Nova could say, instead choosing to listen as Glenn continued. A man who played roles on stage -- an actor, turning into a politician? Politics. Not something that the ... aberration was particularly familiar with, her nose wrinling as she considered.

Now she was a tiny bit confused -- just a touch! But she paid an unusual amount of attention, seeming to hang on the spoken words. Her tail slowly uncurled itself from 'round her waist, the tip of the appendage just brushing the floor. This story seemed sadder, as evidenced by the faint softening of already soft features, Nova's gaze dropping to her lap.

Her eyes snapped back toward Glenn's face, a brief smile flashed when he mentioned his dilemma. A friend, possessed by a demon. The smile faded in an instant, head bobbing in a slow, understanding nod, "I am sorry." BUT. He couldn't have the demon torn from his body to hurt others in town. Aha. There was a moment where it looked like Nova might flee the place, run and bury her hand in the sand. She wasn't one-hundred percent on what Glenn was implying -- or, perhaps suggesting.

"You...require aid in dealing with this." Quiet. Almost inaudible. Fingers were intertwining, her posture going submissive, almost as if the pale young woman was going to shrink into herself and implode.

[Glenn]

The gap between listening and actively applying what he was saying to herself seemed a wide, wide ravine. A shame. Perhaps he should have been more explicit in his instructions but that would have been actively patronizing and well, he hadn't come for that. Granted, the stories had been a last second decision but they applied and it was a shame she couldn't see how. Maybe they'd stay with her. They very likely bumped out some other information in her mind. Hopefully she remembered how to walk and talk at the same time now.

"One thing you must understand, Nova," she was shrinking into herself and he did not take the opportunity to charge forth into her space, personal or symbolic, "is that I would do anything to help my friends. Anything I can, balanced with what I have to do for Myrken, my responsibilities." And they weren't exactly friends, he and her, were they? Oh he gave her a gift, an apology, perhaps, but well, perhaps the rest was up to her. "So, yes, the current plan is for him to open up some absurd portal to an even more absurd other plane. And try to banish the demon there. I think it'll make things worse, not better. I would gladly accept any assistance you might have to offer. Any assistance or insight or yes, help." He had no idea what she could bring to the table, likely not much, really, but for a friend it was worth a try. And practically, even if this came to naught, it didn't mean there wouldn't be a use for her later.

[AnE]

Maybe she'd understood, maybe (likely) not. Still, she kept those things in the back of her mind. They might apply somewhere. Surely there was a reason he told her things, Nova's brain just wasn't wired for much critical thinking. She leaned back in her chair, sucking in a deep breath once she managed to regain her composure. Why her? Surely there were more experienced individuals who he could recruit, to ... do something. She wasn't sure.

"Admittedly, I have little insight to give you. The last individual who I witnessed being possessed by a demon was handled by an actual mage, and it was so long ago that the memory is fuzzy." Brows furrowed, her head slowly turning as she purposely averted her gaze. "I do not know what I could do to help, but I will try my best, sir." What did she know about portals and demons? Not much. She knew about being bound to things, bound to people, she knew about working magical energy in its rawest, untrained form. She lifted a hand to her face, a finger gingerly tapping against her chin in thought. She wanted to prove that she wasn't some oddity to be regarded with suspicion and whispers behind her back. The frustration over it was enough to make her want to scream.

"There might be something, but it will require some research on my part. I would not know where to begin, so if you can be patient with me..." Nova's quiet voice trailed off slowly as she lifted her gaze to meet Glenn's.

[Glenn]

More experienced individuals? More powerful individuals? It was laughable. Myrken did not have a wealth of the well trained and magically competent. Thus, Glenn was here enhancing his options: the things one did for friends. Granted, if he did somehow awaken something in her, something ancient and aware and dangerous, it was better to do that in a controlled situation like this, to know about it, as opposed to it being a nasty surprise later. Still, he was just smiling at her lightly. Her tone, after all, was music to his ears. He had played upon Myrken's natural tendencies of xenophobia and paranoia before, in his last talk with her, and look at how it had paid dividends. Eager and ready to prove herself.

And research? How absolutely darling. "Of course, Nova. I'm not sure how much time we have. He's the sort who may try to take his fate into his own hands, but hopefully that won't be the case. Is there anything you need from us for your research, Nova?" He said that with a perfectly straight face, perfectly earnest, and it was a word that appealed to him so that maybe he was, maybe but not likely.

[AnE]

Lowering her head, Nova felt strange all of a sudden. This was futile. Why was she agreeing to this? He didn't take her seriously -- hell, she hardly took herself seriously. She was no scholar, no student of magic. All she knew was what she felt in her core, as cheesy and cliched as it may have sounded. The only thing that Nova could do was work blind, like an animal following its instinct.

"I...will not." At least she tried to display a modicum of professionalism when speaking to Glenn, her sweetest, most cherubic smile. Genuine, her willingness to help, at least, even if she had no idea what she was doing. After that, though, she slipped into awkward silence, pondering her next move and letting that saccharine smile slip off of her face.

"Well!" She'd pipe up after a moment, sitting rigidly upright and gently clearing her throat, "I suppose that I should... get to it."

[Glenn]

She.. will.. not?

Well, yes, there was an awkward silence after that. A terribly awkward silence, because... that just didn't fit into the conversation. She will not what? He thought back over his words to try to figure out what she could have possibly meant. Congratulations, Nova, for you have successfully quieted Glenn Burnie, at least temporarily.

Then when he was about to ask for clarification or just let it go and give her some encouraging words, she had smiled again, far too brightly. Silence again as he stared. "Yes. That.. well, thank you. You.. just let us know if you have any luck, or if you need, I don't know, a hair of his or bodily fluids or something. I have a magical sword of his too. I was going to plant it on Jirai but then she went and made a list saying she was going to kill me and I was a little less enthused with the idea after that."

Oh look. More awkward silence.